Canoeing, kayaking, rafting and tubing abroad: what is it, why should you do it, and what is the best place to go?

What is rafting?

Rafting is going down a fast-flowing river in a large inflatable boat.
A raft holds 4 to 12 persons; generally a rafting guide is steering the raft from the back of the boat.
Rafting can be done at different levels, varying from small family friendly rapids with mostly low waves to long stretched rapids with high, irregular sharp bends, difficult breakers, and whirlpools.

Canoeing is sailing with 1 or more people in a narrow and open boat where you propel yourself forward with paddles.
In a canoe you use a paddle with a blade on only one side.
Canoeing is usually done on calm water, but in certain countries, for example, fishermen also use a canoe on the open sea.

Kayaking is sailing in a narrow boat that you often close in around your waist and where you can easily capsize and come back up.
When kayaking, you use a paddle with a blade on both sides to push yourself off in the water. Kayaking can be done at different levels, varying from small rapids with mostly low waves to long, stretched rapids with high, irregular sharp bends, difficult breakers and whirlpools.
With sea kayaking, the type of coast and the weather determine the risks and level of difficulty.

River trekking is floating down a fast-flowing river with a life jacket and a protective helmet.

With tubing, you float down a river in an inflated tire.
Because tubing is usually offered on not too wild rivers, it is also a good way to experience the landscape.

Relaxation: once on the water you will find yourself in a rare quiet environment, where you are surrounded by nature.
Adrenaline: some kayak and raft routes provide adrenaline to every fiber.
Love for nature: you will encounter so much beauty that you will often put protecting nature higher on your list.

Canoe or raft trip on the Zambezi (at the Victoria Falls!) or on the Orange or Doring river in South Africa
Kayaking trips to Mumba Island, Malawi
White Water Rafting in Bali, in the Andes or the East Coast of Australia
Kayaking, diving or surfing course in Panama
Kayaking course on a wild river in Turrialba, Costa Rica
By canoe (hollowed out tree trunk) down the rivers (with rapids!) of the immense Amazon region
Kayaking trips around Vancouver (Canada)
River rafting on the Apurimac and Urubamba rivers (Peru)
Combine a canoe trip with wild camping and discover the Swedish lakes or the island-rich coast